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- Tasks: Lead the strategy and design of enterprise-scale database infrastructure in a major banking environment.
- Company: Join a leading bank with a focus on innovation and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by driving modern database technologies and solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering, with deep expertise in database technologies and leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for contract extension and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield, UK (Hybrid)
Contract: 6 months (with possible extension)
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer to lead the strategy, design, and evolution of enterprise-scale database infrastructure within a major banking environment. This is a senior technical leadership role ideal for someone passionate about modern database platforms, large-scale architecture, and driving engineering excellence.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Define and drive the long-term strategy for database infrastructure aligned with business and IT goals
- Act as the go-to expert for database technologies, advising senior stakeholders and engineering teams
- Co-lead the architecture and implementation of shared database platforms (DBaaS/PaaS)
- Partner with Product Owners, Architects, and stakeholders to shape technical requirements and solutions
- Identify and resolve engineering challenges while strengthening cross-functional capabilities
- Champion innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and modern engineering practices
- Serve as a key technical decision-maker, balancing performance, scalability, and risk
- Improve operational efficiency through automation and process optimisation
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in senior/principal roles
- Deep expertise in database technologies (relational, NoSQL, distributed SQL) across IaaS/DBaaS environments
- Strong experience in infrastructure architecture, performance tuning, and capacity planning
- Hands-on knowledge of microservices, API development, automation, and application design
- Solid understanding of SRE principles, DevOps practices, and Infrastructure as Code
- Experience with modern testing practices and engineering tooling
- Proven success delivering large-scale enterprise solutions
- Strong leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working in global, matrixed organisations
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts
Principal Engineer employer: VALLUM ASSOCIATES LIMITED
Contact Detail:
VALLUM ASSOCIATES LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in banking or database technologies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past projects and achievements in database infrastructure. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your technical knowledge and leadership skills clearly, as these are key for a Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience with database technologies and large-scale architecture, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership and technical skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for modern database platforms and how you can drive engineering excellence at StudySmarter. Be sure to connect your past experiences with what we’re looking for in this role.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your deep expertise in database technologies and infrastructure architecture. We want to see how you’ve tackled engineering challenges and championed innovation in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at VALLUM ASSOCIATES LIMITED
✨Know Your Database Technologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of both relational and NoSQL databases. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies, especially in IaaS/DBaaS environments. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented or optimised database solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in cross-functional settings. Discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and driven engineering excellence.
✨Understand the Business Goals
Familiarise yourself with the company's business objectives and how they align with IT goals. Be ready to articulate how your long-term strategy for database infrastructure can support these goals. This shows that you're not just technically savvy but also business-minded.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face questions about engineering challenges you've encountered and how you've resolved them. Think about specific instances where you've improved operational efficiency through automation or process optimisation. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and innovative mindset.
